Summer 2021 at Big White Ski Resort

Get ready for an incredible Summer season at Big White Ski Resort! because the much anticipated Summer 2021 season opens on July 1st. This summer is a great time to explore and discover what the resort has to offer without the champagne powder. With many of us seeking outdoor activities to keep us occupied, the mountain offers something for everyone.

Want to try mountain biking? No problem (they even have rentals!!). Ready for a hike with a phenomenal view? Got it covered. Or maybe you’re looking for something a little less strenuous? In that case, you can enjoy the beautiful scenic chair lift. Remember bike passes go on sale on June 1st and there is a limited supply. Head over to Big White’s website for more information.

You can leave with more than just memories as the shops are open for retail shopping and the restaurants will be open to fill your stomach. Check out all the summer information here.

With past years events including Cider Fest, Mud Sweat and Tears, Wine Fest and North American mountain biking open invitational, we are optimistic that full normalcy expected by late summer. With BC trending in the right direction we are excited to welcome all our international and national guests back to experience the magic with us.

Leading up to the Summer season at Big White

Even during this off season, the Real Estate industry hasn’t slowed down. Outdoor enthusiasts and many locals are looking for that perfect vacation property that they can indulge in that remains close to home. Whether its a small studio apartment to use for the basics or a lavish chalet to entertain and revel in.

There were 22 deals completed in April of this year, with over $13 million in sales. When comparing that to the 1 deal in last April, I would say this year, properties at Big White are sought after. Additionally, last years average days to sell last at 101 days while year to date, this years days to sell is 58.

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing that perfect vacation home or investment property, consider Big White Ski Resort. With major plans to expand over the next 60 years, the resort is quickly becoming an even more popular place to invest and enjoy.

Okanagan Real Estate Market Update: May 2021

The Okanagan real estate market has continued to showcase steady growth and chart topping numbers. Okanagan’s dynamic market displays fast moving inventory and competitive offers in many cases. A high demand, with predictions to remain steady into the upcoming months is becoming a common theme.

Okanagan is consistently seeing historically high numbers of sales and low inventory. This creates increases in value and remains apparent that the market still favor sellers as we continue in the second quarter of 2021.

The current market conditions are driven up by many factors. Some of which include; low interest rates, flexibility of remote working, and the intriguing Okanagan lifestyle. The “small town” feel that the Okanagan showcases is sought after with many buyers relocating from large cities.

With world-class wineries, sandy beaches, countless lakes and an abundance of outdoor activities, the Okanagan is a hot spot for people of any age. Many people are looking for more of that outdoor lifestyle. Whether its boating, golfing, or heading to Big White for some mountain biking our community offers all of that, and then some!

Okanagan Real Estate Market Recap

Market activity continues to exceed levels our area is accustomed to. We experienced 9845 sales totaling over 5.7 billion dollars in 2020. Year to date, we sit at 3.2 billion with 5002 sales. Value continue to climb and the increase of pressure will likely continue in the short term.

Not only are listings selling for more, but they are taking less time to sell, 28.23% less time compared to 2020 actually. In March 2021, residential listings were taking, on average, 33 days to sell.

A Closer Look

As we experience high level activity within our market, individual market segments performed differently. The number of residential sales increased by 115%, and the condo market is ahead of that with an increase of 130%. Townhomes are slightly behind at 114%. But the real dominator here was lot sales, as more and more people decide to build. We saw a 383%, yes 383% increase in number of sales compared to 2020.

Average prices in all segments have increased. The average price of residential soared to $930,251 a 28% change from 2020. Townhomes also increased by 24% to $621,485 and condos trailed with an average price of $415,411 compared to $352,444, a 17% increase.

Looking Ahead

With our current markets status, we expect a similar quarter. Demand remains strong throughout our region and combined with a high level of available capital market trends are expected to continue. We are in a time where market growth seems to remain stable and steady for the foreseeable future and sellers are still in a perfect pocket of opportunity.

For more information about the Okanagan real estate market contact me anytime.

Spring in the Okanagan – Real Estate Edition

Spring has arrived in the Okanagan. With above 20 degree weather, the grasses are greening and the homes are selling faster than ever before. It’s not new news that in the Spring time we see a rush in homes being listed and sold, but this year is taking it to another level. Because this is a strong sellers market, many of the homes are going into multiples and ending up going for above listing price with no conditions. It is a frustrating time for buyers looking for that perfect home but with a qualified, professional, knowledgeable agent, finding and purchasing your dream home is possible!

The Okanagan has so much to offer and people from all across Canada are discovering this little piece of paradise we call home. The outdoor lifestyle, great weather, and endless opportunity are appealing to everyone. That appeal however is driving up prices for anyone local trying to get into this market.

As we near the end of April lets take a quick peek at some stats:

  • We have already seen 597 sales in the Central Okanagan whereas last years April saw 214. That is a 178% increase and the month isn’t even over yet
  • $561,463 was the average price in April 2020, and with the sales conducted so far this April we are at an average sale price of $723,368
  • A home is sitting on the market an average of 36 days compared to last years 66 days (45% decrease!)

Even though its now closed for the Winter Season, Big White Ski Resort is seeing the same increase. Number of sales and average sale prices are up tremendously from previous years. With their summer season approaching, everyone is keen to get outside and enjoy the activities offered; like world-class biking, hiking, festivals and more. More and more people are purchasing vacation homes close to home to escape to during these restricted times. You can check out Big White’s summer season here.

The velocity of the recent COVID-19 third wave, driven by the variants, is likely going to cause further restrictions and the Okanagan market has proven to be resilient and is expected to remain fast paced.

This is the time for sellers who are debating listing to really consider all of the incredible options out there. The Okanagan has never before seen a demand like this making it the perfect time to sell. On the other hand, if you are a buyer looking to purchase into this market, don’t get discouraged. Low borrowing rates create opportunity to step into the market.

As always, I am happy to answer any questions you have about the Okanagan and Big White real estate markets. Contact me today!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

February Real Estate Stats and Spring Break

As we enter in March there is a lot of action at the resort. Locals in the Village, a bustling real estate market, and spring break approaching Big White Ski Resort is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. As you may know, the end of last year’s real estate market was heating up and that momentum has continued well into the first quarter of the year. Let’s take a look at the February Real Estates and what Spring Break looks like this year.

February Real Estate Stats

January and February were great months at the resort for the Real Estate market. Year to date, we have seen 57 closed deals, totaling 29 million in volume. The average days to sell in February is down drastically, 43% from last February, at just 51 days. The close price to list price ratio is at 99.3% and last year’s average was 96.8%. Currently there are 85 active listings. There is the most affordable option, a studio apartment for just over $100,000. All the way to luxury chalets listed for 1+ million.

Monashee RidgeNew builds are exciting at Big White and Monashee Ridge offers an incredible option for those wanting a luxury chalet. With ski-in/ski-out access, opulent features and finishings, and a completion date set for 2022, these incredible homes are very impressive. For further information about this development, click here.

It’s not just residential properties that is booming at the resort. Commercial listings are a hot commodity and create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for investors. Commercial listings don’t come up often and when they do, everyone wants a piece. View all my current commercial listings HERE

If blue skies and champagne powder is calling your name, don’t miss this opportunity to own your own paradise at Big White Ski Resort.

Spring Break 2021

Spring break definitely looks different then prior years, however; there is still plenty of activities to indulge in with the family. Of course you can hit the slopes on your skis or snowboard or maybe a snowshoe adventure is calling you. Whatever the outdoor activity is, it’s better to be outside. Check out Big White Ski Resort’s website for more information about available activities and COVID protocols.

Be sure to pop by my office (in the village under Snowshoe Sams) to check out all my latest listings, residential and commercial. Alternately, contact me and I’ll get you started on your search and answer any questions you have.

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Real Estate is on Par With The Rest of BC

Big White Real Estate is on par with the rest of BC. You have likely seen in the news that the real estate industry in British Columbia, specifically the Interior, is breaking records. It has well exceeded many peoples expectations. Big White Ski Resort‘s real estate market is no exception.

For instance, January 2021 sales took a 35% increase from January of 2020. Sales from $99,400 to 1,540,000 took place in January with the transactions totalling over $12 million dollars. This created an average sale price of $531,670, a slight increase from January 2020’s average sale price of $501,588.

Big White Ski Resort Real EstatePeople are flocking to the resort to purchase vacation rentals for themselves and their families as well as purchasing investment homes to provide revenue. There are many options for whatever you are looking for in your Big White Ski Resort property. Whether it’s a lot for building your dream chalet, a commercial investment up to $10 million, a studio or anything in between.

From my office I get to see the bustle of the Village and the excitement that runs through the resort on the daily. There is no better time than now to get outside and enjoy everything this beautiful mountain has to offer.

This year, the resort has spent copious amounts of time and money ensuring they are following all new government protocols. I believe they have done an incredible job in keeping visitors and locals safe all seasons long.

If you are curious about stepping into the Big White market or ready to sell your lovely ski abode, contact me today and we can talk about your options. Now may be the best time for you to LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY!

Big White Ski Resort announces major plans

Big White Ski Resort has announced major plans to take place over the next 60 years. The resort recently submitted it’s 2020 Master Plan to the government, outlining the anticipated growth and their goal of making the mountain a “world-class, all-season destination resort.” It will potentially double its current size of 3,140 hectares to nearly 7,000 by 2089. Much of this terrain will come from East Peak area.

Major Plans Announced

Plans include doubling the amount of chair lifts, almost tripling the skiing terrain, and expanding mountain biking trails. Additionally the resort plans to add golfing, zip-lining, more equestrian adventures, and cat skiing. Winter camping and health/wellness facilities are proposed. Of course, with more terrain and activities that means additional parking, accommodations and amenities. The current bed units at the resort is approx. 10,533, and if the proposed 2020 Master Plan stays on track, the resort will see 20,600.

Real Estate

Owning a Big White ski property is already a sought after commodity, and with plans of expansion and growth, I believe the real estate industry will continue to remain strong. 2020 ended with some of the best numbers the resort has seen and the forecast of the 2021 market is parallel.

There is a broad range of available properties like residential, lots, commercial and pocket listings. There are also many great options for vacation homes or investment properties depending on your intentions of use. Whatever your requirements are, Big White has something to offer.

You can sign-up here to receive all new listings that hit the market at the resort the moment they go live. You can also always reach out to me with any questions you may have.

ITS BETTER TO BE OUTSIDE

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

A Memorable Year at Big White Ski Resort!

We can all agree that 2020 has been a memorable year at Big White Ski Resort. With the resort facing challenges and having to make pivotal decisions, it still remains a hot spot for real estate and locals heading up to play in that champagne powder Michael J. is always talking about.

With 2020 coming to an end in a few days, the resort has seen a total of 213 sales within the year. That compared to last years total sales of 148 is a 44% increase. Over those 213 transactions, 100 million dollars of real estate has exchanged hands this year at the resort. From studio apartments for just $85,000 to the luxurious Crescendo chalet for $3,200,000 – there was a variety of sale prices making up the yearly average of $471,672.

The resort made many necessary changes in order to adhere to the new government guidelines. Such as being a no cash resort, adding sanitizing stations throughout, and capacity control.  The mandatory face covering rule is being enforced along with maintaining social distancing guidelines. The resort strives to ensure visitors and residents alike are safe and have done a great job in doing so. Check out all of the resort’s new procedures and protocols here.

No one could have predicted what this year was going to bring. Among other things, it has brought attention and clarity to life’s most important things. It has allowed us to enjoy this beautiful mountain and all it has to offer. Big White Ski Resort allows us to get outdoors to enjoy the fresh air. It allows us to get active with some of the most amazing views. And it allows us to spend quality time with those close to us. That, and it’s just an hour away from Kelowna – what more could you ask for?!

Maybe you’ve been thinking about jumping into the resorts real estate market but need some questions answered by a qualified agent that is familiar with the resorts market? If that’s the case, please reach out and I would be more than happy to discuss why property at Big White Ski Resort is a great to own.

 

Big White Ski Resort is the Place to be!

Big White Ski Resort is the place to be this winter season for anyone looking to get outdoors, breathe in some fresh air, and enjoy that beautiful champagne powder. The resort opened ahead of schedule this year and has had a seamless transition while incorporating all of the governments new protocols and restrictions. The resort has put many new policies to ensure visitors and staff alike are safe and following protocols.

Most are flocking to the mountain during the weekends, but if you get the chance to be there mid-week not only will you receive a discount on passes, but also get the perks of waiting less, skiing more, and fresh tracks!

Real Estate Market

If you are thinking now is the time, for either buying or selling on the mountain, you are absolutely correct. November 2020 saw a 160% increase in the number of sales, and the number of days to sell is also down compared to the same time last year. Over 17 million dollars of real estate was exchanged last month at Big White Ski Resort. As of today there are 69 available listings on the mountain. You can purchase a studio apartment for under $100,000 or a luxurious chalet in Feathertop Estates for $1,675,000.

New at Big White

Recycling! Residents and visitors the resort can now drop off their refundable beverage containers at the region’s first Return-It Express & GO recycling station. This new service was a direct response to the needs of residents and visitors on the mountain. Located at 4500 Big White Rd., the new facility makes recycling easier by allowing drop off pre-bagged beverage containers without sorting them. Another cool feature of this amenity is the fact it is solar powered and housed in a repurposed shipping container. For further information check out this article.

With new snow dropping daily, it’s definitely better to be outside! See you on the mountain, email me, or drop by my office in the heart of the Village! (Right under Snowshoe Sam’s)

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

Big White Ski Resort Winter 2020/21 season – The resort & real estate is bustling!

With Big White Ski Resort’s Winter 2020/21 season’s opening day a mere few weeks away, the resort is bustling and busy making preparations to be ready for the Winter 2020/21 season. If you have taken a drive around Big White lately you will notice a lot of new builds and updating happening. A perfect example of a growing neighbourhood on the hill is the exclusive Feathertop Estates.  These high-end luxury chalets offer unbeatable views of the Monashee Mountains and top the scale of incredible ski homes. It’s not only new builds that are taking off, whether it’s those luxury chalets or studio apartments, real estate on the mountain is booming and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. 

What’s Happening on the Hill – leading up to the winter 2020/21 season

This October Big White Ski Resort saw 29 deals complete with the lowest price being $139,000 and the highest a staggering $3,200,000 which was the incredible Crescendo Chalet! The average price was $531,569, up from last year’s average price of $405,631 over 20 sales.

This year, the resort has taken many extra precautions to ensure that all visitors and staff alike will be safe with new rules and protocols in place that follow the government’s COVID-19 guidelines. In a Castanet article, Big White vice-president Michael J. Ballingall said the resort will control the number of day passes to keep a handle on the numbers on the mountain. Skiers/snowboarders are also being urged to “stay in their bubble,” he said. Previous years Big White had relied heavily on foreign workers and has worked hard to lock in domestic staffers for the resort this year.

With my office located in the Village, I love watching the hustle and bustle of the resort starting to pick up. People are really looking forward to getting outside and enjoying the champagne powder that Big White has to offer. Stop by the office anytime to check out all of my listings and if you have any questions pop in or send me an email. I would be happy to help!

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

Big White Real Estate – Stats, Market Update & Opening Day

The 2020/21 winter ski season is a few weeks away and in real estate world that means crunch time to find the perfect Big White property before opening weekend. November 26th marks opening day at Big White Ski Resort this year and everyone is excited for that incredible champagne powder. Many people are not travelling out of country this year and are looking to Big White for their winter vacations, thus creating a flurry of deals on the mountain.  

September Stats

September was a huge month for real estate in the Okanagan and Big White is no exception. With an 80% increase in sales from September last year we saw 36 deals this September with an average sale price of $436,271. Prices as low as $86,500 and as high as $3,200,000 mean there is something for everyone and every price point. Check out some listings here. If you are interested in receiving a complimentary market analysis on your Big White property, contact me. I would be happy to discuss about marketing your property worldwide with virtual tours, google ads, and specific targeting. 

Upcoming 2020/21 Season Changes

With opening weekend just a few weeks away, Big White Ski Resort has been diligently working to ensure all safety guidelines and procedures are up to government standards. A few changes have been announced such as no more singles line for the lifts. Check out a few more of the changes for this upcoming winter 2020/21 season here.  

These changes are put in place so everyone can enjoy everything Big White has to offer. From skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and more, there is an outdoor activity for all. To stay in the know, visit Big White’s Website for their lift status and hours.  A fun new favorite at the resort is adaptive biking. With the wide trails and great variety of terrain, Big White is one of the best BC bike parks. Learn all about Adaptative Biking at Big White Ski Resort here.